Thanks for the comments... and glad to see the interest in this approach. Our hope is that more conferences will adopt / adapt this strategy, and that the white paper can help. If we collectively start suggesting this to conference organizers, and encourage companies to sponsor a volunteer event at a conference, then maybe in a few years volunteering while networking at these events will be the new norm.

Justin, great white paper. I thoroughly appreciate the dedication you and your team have exhibited in documenting this process and really creating a blueprint on how to replicate this type of event in the future.

I completely identify with this. Unless you're a natural at networking, those events can sometimes be uncomfortable or awkward. Having a task to complete is such a great way to facilitate natural interaction and relationship building. Thanks for the great article!

This is a great idea. Like you say, most people think the main point of going to conferences is meeting other people, not listening to the talks...in a time when anyone can go online and watch TED talks without leaving their couch, conferences should really be focusing more on participation and what people can do in person.

Volunteering and "doing good" should be central to all CSR conferences - this is such a great way to genuinely connect with others vs. transient networking connections. Thanks for the insight and awesome post Justin!

Hey, Justin. Service 'breaks' at conferences are a great idea. I'm attending the big annual Conference on Volunteering and Service in June in D.C. and I'm happy to spread your provocation and seed your idea there on your behalf.